Horse racing to resume on Wednesday following equine flu outbreak

Racing in Britain is back in business after getting a qualified clean bill of health from the British Horseracing Authority on Monday night. The sport has been in darkness since an outbreak of equine flu at Donald McCain’s Cheshire stable last Wednesday. The BHA cancelled a total of 21 fixtures running from Thursday until today, with 174 stables in lockdown pending the return of tests for the highly contagious disease. But, after drawn out negotiations with its veterinary committee – which unanimously supported the move to get back to business – the BHA announced racing’s return with four meetings at Musselburgh, Plumpton, Southwell and Kempton Park on Wednesday. “Clearly, there is some risk associated with returning to racing,” said the BHA’s Chief Regulatory Officer, Brant Dunshea. “This risk has been assessed and, based on the evidence – and ensuring biosecurity measures are in place – the level of risk is viewed as acceptable.” After tests on 2,100 thoroughbreds in stables deemed to be at risk, only 10 horses – six in McCain’s care and four trained in Newmarket by Simon Crisford – were confirmed as infected by the Animal Health Trust. “After analysis of thousands of samples, and no further positive tests on Monday, we still only have two confirmed sites of infection,” added Dunshea, who stressed the BHA would continue to monitor the equine flu crisis to prevent its spread. “From the testing and analysis conducted the disease appears to be contained at present. “The BHA veterinary committee believe… [Read full story]